2006 Kia Optima vs. 1973 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2006 Kia Optima is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Optima (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 305 kg more than 1973 Mercury Montego. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercury Montego is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1973 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Kia Optima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1973 Mercury Montego (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Optima. (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Optima | 1973 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Optima | Montego |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2351 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 93.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3010 mm |
